Scaffold support for toy vehicle trackset

ABSTRACT

A scaffold support system for toy vehicle tracksets utilizes a plurality of base members which in turn support a plurality of generally cylindrical rod elements. The rod elements are elongated and generally circular in cross-section. A plurality of joint members are utilized in securing combinations of the rod members together to form a scaffold structure. In turn, a further plurality of joint members are utilized in securing the track segments to the various rods found in the scaffold structure. The joints are movable and rotatable upon the supporting rods to provide substantial variation of track segment positioning and contour within the trackset. For the most part, each joint utilized in securing the track segments and the combinations of scaffold supporting rods within the trackset is capable of securely locking in a selected position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of Provisional Application 60/538,860entitled SCAFFOLD SUPPORT FOR TOY VEHICLE TRACKSET filed Jan. 23, 2004on behalf of the applicants of the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toy vehicle tracksets andparticularly to the structures utilized in supporting the track segmentstherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy vehicle tracksets have grown in complexity and size as consumershave demanded evermore interesting and amusing and challengingtracksets. One of the aspects of toy vehicle tracksets which has enjoyedsubstantial improvement over the years is found in the supportstructures which maintain the track segments in their respectivepositions and elevations to maintain the secure trackway needed forproper operation of the trackset. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,762issued to Glickman sets forth a VEHICLE TRACK FOR CONSTRUCTION TOYSYSTEM having a guide track structure for a wheeled toy vehicle. Basicstructural components comprising rod-like struts and molded plasticconnector elements are adapted for snap-together attachment of the strutelements. This enables support structures for the wheeled toy to beassembled in a variety of fashions to provide a self-supportingtrackway.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,514 issued to Glickman, et al. sets forth a VEHICLETRACK SUPPORT FOR CONSTRUCTION TOY SYSTEM providing a structuresubstantially the same as the structure set forth in the above U.S. Pat.No. 5,421,762 issued to Glickman.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,090 issued to Eisenburg sets forth a TRACKWAY FOR ATRACKBORNE TOY utilizing a pair of resiliently flexible carriers ortrack members stringently guided in bearings in a spaced juxtaposition.The bearings are supported on vertical supports which are heightadjustable as well as vertically and horizontally pivotable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,320 issued to Miller sets forth a ROLLER COASTER TOYhaving a multiply curved elevated track system in which a plurality ofvertical supports each having independent support bases are secured toselected points along the toy vehicle track. The supports are adjustablein vertical height and are coupled to the track by ball and socketadjustable joints.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,394,489 issued to Martin sets forth an ARTICLE ROLL GAMEAND TRACK THEREFOR having an elongated flexible track supported on abase by a plurality of vertical supports. The supports are coupled tothe track in a manner permitting the track to move laterally withrespect to the supports.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,252,616 issued to Reif sets forth a TOY having atrackway comprised of a plurality of interlocking segments supported bya plurality of vertical supports. The vertical supports allow thetrackway to be secured at different heights by moving adjustable pegswhich couple the supports to the trackway.

Published application U.S. 2003/0054727 filed by Quercetti sets forth aSUSPENDED RUNWAY over which toy vehicles travel under the influence ofgravity. The suspended runway includes a supporting structure havingfour vertical elements each supported by an independent base. Aplurality of cross-connected elements secure the four verticalstructures in a rigid column. Adjustable connecting clamps secureportions of the runway to the vertical columns. An additional array ofattachments are secured to the runway at various positions and arejoined to the four columns by flexible strings or cables.

While the foregoing described prior art devices have to some extentimproved the art and have in some instances enjoyed commercial success,there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermoreimproved, interesting and amusing toy vehicle tracksets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to providean improved toy vehicle trackset. It is a more particular object of thepresent invention to provide an improved supporting structure for a toyvehicle trackset.

The present invention scaffold support system for toy vehicle tracksetsutilizes a plurality of base members which in turn support a pluralityof generally cylindrical rod elements. The rod elements are elongatedand generally circular in cross-section. A plurality of joint membersare utilized in securing combinations of the rod members together toform a scaffold structure. In turn, a further plurality of joint membersare utilized in securing the track segments to the various rods found inthe scaffold structure. The joints are movable and rotatable upon thesupporting rods to provide substantial variation of track segmentpositioning and contour within the trackset. For the most part, eachjoint utilized in securing the track segments and the combinations ofscaffold supporting rods within the trackset is capable of securelylocking in a selected position.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toyvehicle trackset comprising: a plurality of elongated rod elements eachhaving opposed rod ends; a plurality of rod connectors each definingfirst and second receiving passages and engagement mechanisms forreceiving and engaging the rod ends; and at least one track connectorhaving means for engaging at least one portion of a toy vehicletrackway, the rod connectors being joined by the rod elements to form atrackway support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel,are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention,together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best beunderstood by reference to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures ofwhich like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle trackset having ascaffold support constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate toy vehicletrackset also utilizing a scaffold support system constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle trackset having afurther variation of the present invention scaffold support;

FIG. 4 sets forth a perspective of exemplary locking joints constructedin accordance with the present invention scaffold support system;

FIG. 5 sets forth perspective views of further illustrative lockingjoint members utilized in the present invention scaffold support system;

FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a still furtheralternate example of a joint utilized in the present invention scaffoldsupport system; and

FIG. 7 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate toyvehicle trackset utilizing the present invention scaffold support.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

By way of overview, the present invention scaffold support systemutilizes a plurality of base members which in turn support a pluralityof elongated generally cylindrical rods or poles. A plurality of lockingjoints are provided which facilitate the building of a scaffold supportstructure using the bases and elongated rods or poles to provide securesupport for segments of a toy vehicle trackset. For the most part, thejoint members utilized are capable of being locked in a given positionto further strengthen the resulting structure.

FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle tracksetconstructed in accordance with the present invention and generallyreferenced by numeral 10. Toy vehicle trackset 10 includes ascaffold-type support generally referenced by numeral 11. Support 11includes a number of base elements such as base 12 which utilize aplurality of support rods such as rod 13. Trackset 10 further includesan intersection 30 supported by scaffold support 11. Intersection 30includes an outer ring 31 pivotally supported upon support 11 and aninner ring 32. Inner ring 32 is small enough in diameter to fit withinthe interior of outer ring 31. Inner ring 32 is pivotally secured toouter ring 31. As a result, both outer ring 31 and inner ring 32 arepivotable both with respect to each other and with respect to support11. Outer ring 32 is coupled to a pair of track portions formed by trackloop 22 and track ramp 23. Similarly, inner ring 32 is coupled to oneend of track loop 22 and to track segment 21. Because the end portionsof track loop 22 are spaced from ramp 23 and track segment 21respectively, a gap or “jump” is formed across outer ring 31 and innerring 32. The angle between the jump paths thus formed withinintersection 30 is determined by the pivotal positions of outer ring 31and inner ring 32.

Trackset 10 further includes a booster 15 fabricated in accordance withconventional fabrication techniques which accelerates a toy vehiclepassing downwardly upon ramp 23. Trackset 10 further includes a flexiblemultiple apertured panel 16 which in turn is supported by an adjustablesupport 17. The remainder of trackset 10 is coupled by a track segment19 coupled to panel 16 and forming a U-shaped portion together with astraight track segment 20. Track segment 20 is coupled to track segment21.

Track segment 21, loop portion 22 and ramp 23 are fabricated to providea trackway which is highly flexible in use and readily adjustable to avariety of curves, loops and twists. Thus, for example, ramp 23 isformed of a track segment 18 comprising an elongated frame 33 supportinga plurality of guide rail posts such as posts 34 and 35. Posts 34 and 35are supported along each side of frame 33. A pair of flexible generallyrod-like rails such as rails 36 and 37 are secured within posts 34 and35 as well as the remaining posts along frame 33. The utilization offrame 33 together with supporting posts such as posts 34 and 35 andflexible guide rails such as guide rails 36 and 37 provides a trackstructure which facilitates bending the resulting track into a varietyof curves, loops, twists and the like which are maintained in shape dueto the secure attachment of guard rails 36 and 37 on each side of thetrack frame. In the preferred fabrication of the track segments, the fitand attachment of the guard rails utilizes an extremely tight snap-fitattachment for secure holding of the guard rails. Conversely, thepositioning of the guard rails after the track frame has been shaped asdesired allows the snapped in guard rails to maintain the curvature ortwist or other shaping of the track segment.

FIG. 2 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle tracksetconstructed in accordance with the present invention and generallyreferenced by numeral 40. Trackset 40 differs from trackset 10 in itsutilization in a different arrangement of components and a differentcombination of components but functions basically the same. Accordingly,trackset 40 includes a loop segment 41 supported by a support structure42 together with a loop segment 44. Loop segment 44 is coupled between acurved panel 43 having a support 45 and a booster 15. Booster 15 isfabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and isused to accelerate a toy vehicle passing through the booster stage. Anintersection 30 fabricated in the manner described above in FIG. 1, ispositioned with an outer ring 31 and an inner ring 32 in a flat orcoplanar relationship. Thus, outer ring 31 is coupled to track loop 41and booster 15 while inner ring 32 is coupled to the remaining end ofloop 41 and curved panel 43.

Loop portion 41 and loop portion 44 of trackset 40 are fabricated in theabove-described manner in which a track frame supports a plurality ofposts which in turn are secured to a pair of flexible guide rails. Itwill be noted by examination of FIGS. 1 and 2 that this track structureprovides substantial flexibility and variability in shaping the contoursof the trackset.

In the horizontal configuration of intersection 30 shown in FIG. 2, thejump portions formed by the respective track segments are generallycoplanar and generally horizontal. This allows intersection 30 toprovide a more conventional toy vehicle-intersecting jump.

FIG. 3 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle trackset utilizingthe present invention scaffold support generally referenced by numeral170. Toy vehicle trackset 170 includes a pair of track segments 171 and172 coupled to a multi-use panel 176. A canister 173 which is generallycylindrical in form and which comprises a storage container for thevarious elements of trackset 170 when trackset 170 is dissembled andstored, supports a connector 174 and a base connector 178. A verticalpole 175 is secured to base 178 and connector 174. Further, a connector177 is coupled to rod 175 and supports multi-use panel 176. Thestructures of the various connector utilized in trackset 170 arefabricated in accordance with the present invention described below.Suffice it to note here that the combination of base 178 and rod 175allows connectors 177 and 174 to secure panel 176 in the desiredposition.

FIG. 4 sets forth perspective view of exemplary joint connectorsutilized in the present invention scaffold support. As described above,the present invention scaffold support utilizes a plurality of generallycylindrical rods such as rods 195 and 201 joined by a correspondingplurality of locking joints. For purposes of weight saving and strengthincrease, rods 195 and 201 are fabricated having generally circular orcylindrical shapes with the further variation of fabrication usingpluralities of circular webs to define the generally cylindrical outerstructure while maintaining a substantial weight saving over solidcylindrical elements. It will be recognized that different shaped rodsor poles may be utilized without departing from the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a T-joint 180, a ninety degree joint 190 and a forty-fivedegree joint 196 each operative in accordance with the locking apparatusset forth below. Thus, T-joint 180 which is intended to couple to theabove-mentioned multiple use panel supports a plurality of pegs 181through 185. A pair of pivoting lock levers 186 and 189 provide movementof pegs 182, 183 and 184 to provide a secure attachment to the multi-usepanel (not shown). T-joint 180 further defines a passage 187 whichreceives the end portion of a rod or pole. In accordance with the lockmechanism set forth below, a movable level 188 is used to securely lockthe pole end within the passage 187.

Similarly, ninety degree joint 190 includes passages 191 and 192 andlock levers 193 and 194.

Forty-five degree joint 196 is similar in fabrication to joint 190 withthe difference being the angle between receiving passages 197 and 199.Once again, pivoting lock levers 198 and 200 provide secure attachmentto the end portion of inserted rods such as rods 200 and 195.

FIG. 5 sets forth perspective views of ninety degree joint 190 togetherwith an early development version of joint 190 generally referenced bynumeral 205.

FIG. 6 sets forth a partial assembly perspective view of joint 205.Joint 204 is shown partially opened to reveal a passage 206 whichreceives the end portion of a rod or pole. Joint 205 utilizes a swivellock 208 coupled to a lock lever 207. Swivel lock 208 engages latchplate 209 when connector 205 is closed to the configuration shown inFIG. 6. Pivoting lever 207 engages latch plate 209 allowing a tighteningof the grip upon an inserted pole or rod.

What has been shown is a scaffold support for toy vehicle trackset whichutilizes a plurality of base members supporting elongated rod-like polestogether with a plurality of locking joints which facilitateconfiguration in the scaffold members to provide the appropriatelyshaped support for the toy vehicle trackset.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changesand modifications may be made without departing from the invention inits broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is tocover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A toy vehicle trackset comprising: a plurality of elongated rodelements each having opposed rod ends; a plurality of rod connectorseach defining first and second receiving passages and engagementmechanisms for receiving and engaging said rod ends; and at least onetrack connector having means for engaging at least one portion of a toyvehicle trackway, said rod connectors being joined by said rod elementsto form a trackway support structure.
 2. The toy vehicle trackset setforth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of rod connectors includeconnectors having said receiving passages angled ninety degrees to eachother.
 3. The toy vehicle trackset set forth in claim 1 wherein saidplurality of rod connectors include connectors having said receivingpassages angled one hundred thirty five degrees to each other.
 4. Thetoy vehicle trackset set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of rodconnectors include connectors having said receiving passages angled onehundred eighty degrees to each other.
 5. A toy vehicle trackset supportstructure comprising: a plurality of elongated rod elements each havingopposed rod ends; a plurality of rod connectors each defining first andsecond receiving passages and engagement mechanisms for receiving andengaging said rod ends; at least one track connector having means forengaging at least one portion of a toy vehicle trackway, a toy vehicletrackset container having an interior space for receiving and storingsaid rod connector and rod elements and said container being attachableto said support structure to further support a trackway; and said rodconnectors being joined by said rod elements to form said trackwaysupport structure.